Burglar caught by heroic motorist during heist in Cosham is jailed

A PROLIFIC burglar, responsible for more than a dozen raids, has been jailed after being apprehended mid-heist by a passing motorist.

Wayne Wilkinson, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for his spree of 14 break-ins.

The 32-year-old had targeted properties across Cosham, Drayton and Portchester.

However, the law finally caught up with him on his last raid, on August 14, at a home in London Road, Cosham.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said: ‘The victim returned to his home in the early afternoon and found Wilkinson inside.

‘Wilkinson fled the scene and was chased by the victim and a passing motorist, who detained him with jewellery stolen from the burglary.’

He was later arrested and plead guilty to the burglary in London Road.

However, during a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Wilkinson asked for 13 other burglaries he had committed across Drayton, Cosham and Portchester to be taken into consideration by the judge during his sentencing..

The news of the sentencing has since been welcomed by police – who also praised the motorist for helping to apprehend him.

PC Nick Jackson said: ‘The actions of a brave motorist, who helped detain Wilkinson, was instrumental in this prosecution.

‘I would like to thank him for his selfless action and to all the victims for their help during the investigations.’